Letter from Elizabeth, Healing for Place and People

This week’s letter comes from Elizabeth Le’anani Coffee, Director of Storytelling at the H.E. Butts Foundation. Elizabeth’s letter is the first from participants at the inaugural gathering of the Center for Storytelling and Narrative Change this past May. During that gathering, 38 storytellers, podcasters, authors, narrative change professionals, artists, religious leaders, and facilitators were selected to imagine how engaging sacred stories might heal the world.

As part of that gathering, participants shared their Letters to the Future. Elizabeth’s letter reminds us that our visions for the future have a place and a people.

As you read Elizabeth’s letter, we invite you to reflect on how you are leading to build a better future where you are.

Dear San Antonio,

For several years, I have worked with many people who call you home. Together we have written a manifesto for what we hope to create. It is our joy to be formed by you and to be part of forming you.

This is our dream:

We are for a city that is full of people who know their neighbors.

We are for a city that is compassionate. We are for a city that teaches and shares the history of mistakes.

We are for a city where anyone can feel welcome and at home.

We are for a city that listens to all voices, values opinions and seeks to do no harm when making decisions.

We are for a city that begs to hear the whole story. We are for a city that smells like a dinner table and feels like a home.

We are for a city that prays for those who have disrupted graves. We are for a city that listens. We are for a city that honors its ancestors.

We are for a city that pauses to take a deep breath. We are for a city that is ok with silence.

We are for a city that laughs and laughs and laughs and laughs and laughs and laughs.

We are for a city that yearns for the light.

We are for a city that admits failures and has a willingness to reconcile.

We are for a city where music happens.

We are for a city that loves anyway. We are for a city that remembers to look at the moon.

We are for a city that thought you might come, and made an extra plate.

With love,

Your people

To learn more about Elizabeth Le’anani Coffee or her work, see her bio.